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If you are having preterm labor, you may be given medication. Drugs for preterm labor include:

Tocolytics—to slow or stop preterm labor contractions

Calcium channel blockers

Betamimetics

Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (cyclooxygenase inhibitors)

Magnesium sulfate

Corticosteroids—to help the baby’s lungs and brain mature

Antibiotics—to prevent infection in the mother and baby

Tocolytics

Tocolytics are drugs that minimize the strength and number of contractions. Although an ideal goal would be to stop preterm labor completely, the most that can be reasonably expected from current tocolytics is a delay of 48 hours. This delay allows time for treatment with steroids and antibiotics. Steroids are given to speed the baby’s lung development. Even a few extra days in the uterus can be vital to the baby’s development.

Antibiotics may be given to treat a suspected infection. During this time, you may also be transferred to a better-equipped hospital.

These drugs can be given through an IV or by mouth between 24 and 34 weeks gestation.

Prostaglandins cause uterine contractions, so these drugs are meant to block the production of prostaglandin and may be used in certain causes of preterm contractions.

Betamimetics

Common names include:

Terbutaline

Ritodrine

These drugs cause uterine muscles to relax.

Magnesium Sulfate

This is a muscle relaxant that is given intravenously. While this medication has not been proven to delay preterm birth, it is effective in treating
pre-eclampsia
and does offer protection against brain injury in the baby. It is used frequently in the presence of preterm labor.

Corticosteroids

Common names include:

Betamethasone

Dexamethasone

If you are between 24-34 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may give corticosteroids. These drugs help your baby’s lungs mature. They also reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and bleeding in the brain. With these drugs, your baby will breathe easier after delivery.

Antibiotics

Common names include:

Penicillin

Ampicillin

Clindamycin

Vancomycin

Cefazolin

Antibiotics help to treat and prevent infection in both the mother and the baby. Preterm babies are at increased risk of infection because their immune systems are immature.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What treatments can reduce the chances of preterm labor & birth?
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website. Available at:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/Pages/default.aspx. Updated November 6, 2013. Accessed March 18, 2014.